Can a Yo-Yo be More Than a Toy?

By Josh Headley, Elizabeth Miller contributed to this article on December 7, 2019

To many people, a yo-yo is just a toy. But to 11-year-old Jaysen Subia, the rotating bundle of string and plastic is so much more. Subia didn’t own a yo-yo three years ago. But now this Cascade Middle School 6th grader is competing in yo-yo competitions.

After randomly choosing a yo-yo out of a prize box at school. “I came home and researched yo-yo tricks,” said Subia. “I learn by watching other yo-yo players and tutorials.”

The fantastic tricks Subia does takes “practice, lots of practice,” he admits.

Practice Pays Off

“I’ve participated in three competitions,” shared Subia. “The first time I competed was last year at the Pacific Northwest Regional competition at Seattle Center. I competed there again this year. My third competition was the Junior National competition in California.”

Judged off of technical execution and freestyle evaluation, Jaysen planned a two-minute routine for the finals the included a focus of advance level trick elements, body control, showmanship, and music choreography.

Subia placed 10th overall at the Junior National Yo-Yo Competition this year, while also locking down the third-place slot in his age group of 12 and under.

The yo-yo may be a simple toy, but it has brought many amazing experiences in Subia’s life. It has allowed him to meet people of all ages, skills, and backgrounds. When Jaysen, owner of 20 yo-yo’s, is not traveling the world slinging his yo-yo in hypnotizing ways, he enjoys math, reading, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.